The Hartford Circus Fire

Tragedy Under the Big Top

De: Michael Skidgell

Narrado por: P.J. Ochlan

Through firsthand accounts and interviews with survivors, author Michael Skidgell attempts to make sense of one of Hartford's worst tragedies.

Almost 7,000 fans eagerly packed into the Ringling Brothers big top on July 6, 1944. With a single careless act, an afternoon at the "Greatest Show on Earth" quickly became one of terror and tragedy as the paraffin-coated circus tent caught fire. Panicked crowds rushed for the few exits, but in minutes, the tent collapsed on those still struggling to escape below. A total of 168 lives were lost, many of them children, with many more injured and forever scarred by the events. Hartford and the surrounding communities reeled in the aftermath as investigators searched for the source of the fire and the responsible parties.

©2014 Michael Skidgell (P)2023 Tantor

Inspiring, Compassionate, Important history

My heart swelled with gratitude today as I finished Michael Skidgell's fine history "The Hartford Circus Fire". I felt compelled to keep listening until the end. Throughout, Mr Skidgell shares heartwarming anecdotes of fire survivors, rescue workers, and others. These touched my heart and also inspired me to sense I, too, can make a difference, even by a small action.

My mother is a survivor of this fire with some unprocessed trauma. She likes that this book offers a respectful, not sensationalized retelling.

I grew up hearing her wishes that the person who was widely believed to be the arsonist responsible for starting this fire be forgiven. I can't wait for her to read the last part of the last chapter in which we learn of harsh circumstances in that person's childhood, his mental health challenges, and that he'd been coerced into confessing to starting the fire.

I felt intrigued to learn of the methods and thoroughness of the fire investigators, what they came to understand about what *couldn't* have caused the fire, and the final outcome of their investigations.

I found the chapter honoring those who died from the fire to be important, respectful, and a remarkable accomplishment by historian Michael Skidgell. I felt moved by learning about the victims--memorable glimpses into lives which have now been memorialized for a broad public.

"The Hartford Circus Fire" is narrated by a voice actor with numerous awards for his audiobooks. I feel grateful I got the chance to hear it! Thank you, audible. With special thanks and respect for its author, Michael Skigell.